Career Services News
Johnson and Faublas Look to Trade
Locker Room for Board Room
Students Represent Becker at
"Working in Worcester" Event
Opportunity Knocks
After reviewing the email blast sent to all Becker students in mid-October titled “Working in Worcester Open House,” Acie Johnson ’09 was intrigued. Having just finished his last football season at Becker, he knew where he wanted to dedicate much of his newfound free time: to his career development. He wasn’t sure where to start; the email came at a perfect time.
“Working in Worcester Open House,” an event organized by the
Colleges of Worcester Consortium, was a free offer to take a walking tour of three of Worcester’s premier employers on Friday, November 14. The tour was complete with recruiting information sessions by the Human Resources departments at each stop. Johnson forwarded the email to his friend and fellow recent football “retiree,” Jacques Faublas '09, and the gentlemen agreed: this sounded like a great opportunity. They immediately completed the online registration form.
“I wanted to get a taste of the real world, after having learned so much in the classroom these past few years,” said Johnson. “This sounded like a great opportunity to get inside some businesses, hear perspectives from executives who do the hiring, and make some contacts.”
“Most of my professional exposure has been to my family’s business, “ said Faublas. “I knew that I needed to get out there and see the inner workings of other companies, and what is needed to take advantage of their opportunities.”
The Grand Tour: November 14th Arrives
After an introductory session at the Worcester Historical Museum, Johnson and Faublas joined approximately one dozen students from other Consortium schools to visit with recruiters at Unum Insurance, Webster Five Bank, and St. Vincent’s Hospital. They capped the day off with a networking session at McFadden’s. All sites were in downtown Worcester, less than a five minute walk between sessions. Part of the event's mission was to showcase Worcester as a vibrant city for area college students to stay after graduation.
Johnson and Faublas were very enthusiastic about how much they learned, and the contacts they made by the end of the day. Both of them found the Webster Five site to be their favorite. “I liked that they were the most locally-based company of the three, and you could tell they were all in it together as a team,” he said. “It was also nice to see that there is a lot of room for growth in the company.” One of the Assistant Branch Managers who spoke to the group started as a Teller.
In addition to receiving information about each specific company, the participants received general recruiting advice about resumes, interviews, and more. “I learned that all interviews are two way streets,” said Faublas. “You are evaluating them, as much as they are evaluating you. You must come prepared with questions of your own at an interview.”
Both gentlemen were also happy to learn that many companies pay for their employees to continue their education. All three employers from this event offer generous tuition reimbursement plans for their workers who wish to pursue graduate degrees part time.
At the end of the day, both gentlemen felt like they were in a much better position to continue their post-graduate job search, as well as obtain a spring or summer internship. When asked if they had any advice for fellow Becker students, Johnson said “Start early! I understand that a senior job search take several months. Take advantage of the programs that are offered or advertised by Career Services.”
More Opportunities On The Way...
Johnson and Faublas plan to attend the Career Fair at Assumption College on Thursday, November 20th from 6 – 8 p.m. - after they attend the 5:00 seating at the traditional Becker Thanksgiving Dinner, of course! This event is scheduled to include employers who will be most appealing to Business and Psychology majors, but all students with an interest in the company roster are welcome. Review the event listing under the “Workshops and Events” part of the Career Services web site to see if it might fit your interests – and perhaps you will see Johnson and Faublas there.
Always remember - you can review upcoming Career or Internship related events on the "Workshops and Events" part of the Career Services web site - available here: http://www.becker.edu/pages/1113.asp
Eric Saczawa
Director of Career Services
